At least four US aerial refueling aircraft are operating over the Persian Gulf, according to a single Arabic-language security desk report on Telegram. The report does not specify the mission or whether strike aircraft are involved.
According to a report from an Arabic-language security desk on Telegram, heavy aerial activity is underway over the Persian Gulf, with at least four US aerial refueling aircraft currently in the air. The report provides no further details on the mission or whether strike aircraft are involved.
The activity comes amid heightened tensions in the region. The US-led maritime siege on Iran is set to take effect at 23:00 Jerusalem tonight, as previously reported by The Zioneer. While the report does not explicitly link the aerial activity to the siege, the timing coincides with the start of the blockade. Similar reports of US refueling aircraft have been noted in recent weeks, including a June 28 report of 13 tankers over the Gulf.
The first hours after the blockade takes effect are considered critical, as Iran may choose to challenge the enforcement. The situation remains developing.
2 developments
- StrongDozens of US tanker and AWACS aircraft reportedly take off overnight
- StrongUnusual US aerial activity detected over the Persian Gulf: tanker, AWACS, signals and maritime patrol aircraft identified
- DevelopingFive refueling, two surveillance aircraft active over Persian Gulf
- DevelopingMultiple US aerial refueling tankers depart Middle East
Source and signal
- Internal intake